FOR THE FIRST TIME in recent memory, FAA reauthorization legislation -- which outlines spending levels for various agency activities -- sailed through the committee process, with separate House and Senate measures winning approval by mid-June. But aviation watchers were left wondering last month whether a provision in the House bill regarding air traffic controllers would derail the process, jeopardizing final passage and enactment. The confrontation concerns a Democratic-sponsored amendment that would prevent privatization of the air traffic control system.
``Al-Qaida has long considered attacking U.S. Homeland targets using light aircraft. Recent reliable reporting indicates that al-Qaida was in the late stages of planning an aerial suicide attack against the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. Operatives were planning to pack a small fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter with explosives and crash it into the consulate . . . ``Al-Qaida may attempt to use charter or general aviation aircraft to conduct future attacks because of their availability, less stringent protective measures and destructive potential.
The B-717's Advanced Common Flightdeck (ACF) system is part of a family of Honeywell integrated avionics products originally developed for the DC-10 and MD-11 wide bodies, with the intention of migrating the technology to Douglas' narrow body airliners. The ACF's workload reduction features were designed to eliminate the need for a third flight crewmember. Aboard the two-crew B-717, the ACF essentially adds a second officer to the cockpit team.
Austria's JetAlliance AG has put a VIP MD-83 on charter. Based in Vienna, the recently refurbished aircraft features 20 passenger seats in an open ``living room'' plan and has a mid-fuselage master bedroom complete with bathroom and shower. An office area seats eight and there is seating for up to 12 additional personnel at the rear of the aircraft. The MD-83 has a nonstop range of 3,940 miles and is the largest aircraft in JetAlliance's managed fleet.
Jet Aviation International, West Palm Beach, Fla., has named Richard Harris the new head of maintenance for Jet Aviation Saudi Arabia. Harris will be responsible for all maintenance activities at the Jeddah and Riyadh facilities.
The BoltMike III ultrasonically measures tension and clamp load of threaded fasteners. A large, bright, easy-to-read display, rapid calibration and setup, and automatic temperature compensation ensure fast, repeatable, accurate fastener tension measurements in many applications. The system's Stressware software is compatible with Windows 95 or higher version software and enables the user to download reports, set up test parameters and print out results. Call for pricing StressTel 2790 W. College Ave.
Jet Aviation is authorized to install Quiet Technology Aerospace's hush kits on Gulfstream GII, GIIB and GIII aircraft. The authorization covers Jet Aviation's facilities in Geneva, Switzerland; Singapore; Teterboro, N.J.; and West Palm Beach, Fla. The hush kit will bring the Gulfstream business jets into compliance with FAR Part 36 Stage 3 and ICAO Annex 16 Chapter 3 noise regulations. The hush kit, which weighs 234 pounds, is integrated with the aircraft's existing engine and thrust reversers and does not require airframe or structural modifications.
Atlantic Aviation Flight Services added a Hawker 800, a new Hawker 800XP, a Falcon 900 and a Falcon 50 to its charter certificate. The Hawkers will be based at Teterboro, N.J., and the Falcon 50 at Morristown, N.J. The Falcon 900 is currently based at Oxford Airport, Conn., and Atlantic officials are determining the best place to base it during that airport's closure this summer (see page 20). Atlantic's Web site is www.atlanticflight.com.
SkyWest Airlines announced on June 10 that it and United Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an 11-year contract, including a multi-year rate agreement for United Express contract flying. Under the terms of the agreement, SkyWest will be reimbursed its operating costs plus a base margin and performance-based incentives, similar to the previous agreement between the parties.
Matsushita Avionics Systems (MAS) is now offering its eFX scalable inflight entertainment (IFE) system to business aviation. Whether the operator's requirement is for basic in-seat audio, high-quality video (broadcast or in-seat) or state-of-the-art ``office'' features, the company claims that this new system provides a full range of entertainment, information and connectivity choices.
As the nation's largest airports busily install explosive detection equipment and accommodate scores of federal security officers, the TSA has turned its attention to the other airports -- the 5,400 public-use general aviation facilities. The TSA in late April tasked a group of industry representatives to explore possible ways to enhance security. The TSA stressed that its mission includes improving general aviation security ``as necessary,'' and explained to aviation groups why it's in the best interest of industry to develop recommendations to address the issue.
The Air Group added a Gulfstream III to its managed charter fleet. The Air Group, based in Norfolk, Va., has charter aircraft based around the world. More information is available at www.theairgroup.com.
June 6 -- A Beech 36 single-engine airplane plunged through two floors of a Los Angeles apartment building and into a parking garage on the ground floor, setting all three floors ablaze. All four people aboard the airplane were killed, as was one man who lived in the building, according to the latest reports. The NTSB is still determining what caused the airplane to plummet straight down into the building 10 minutes after taking off from the Santa Monica Municipal Airport apparently en route to Sun Valley, Idaho.
Thales has reorganized its Canada-based operations. The corporation's activities located in Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax will come together administratively under a single head office in Montreal, Thales Canada Inc., and be headed by President Jean-Pierre Mortreux. The new chairman of Thales Canada, Pierre J. Jeanniot, said the creation of the new entity will enable Thales to offer integrated systems for civil aviation, reinforce territorial protection with communications and optronics systems, and consolidate and strengthen R&D.
Air Methods' Product Division has received an STC for its Eurocopter EC130 B4 Emergency Medical Interior. Immediately after certification, the aircraft -- the first EC130 B4 in air ambulance service -- was delivered to the Oklahoma University Medical Center Medi Flight operation in Oklahoma City. Air Methods also offers EMS interiors for the BK117, AS350, AS355, EC135, BO105 and AS365.
The NTSB is recommending that the FAA modify its air traffic control radar data processing backup systems to provide conflict alert functionality to the greatest extent practicable. The board noted that conflict alert functionality is present in en route and approach control ATC facilities under primary system operation. However, when backup systems are in use, conflict alert may not be available, depending upon the facility's type of equipment and software.
The FAA's FAR Part 135/125 aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) kicked off its initial session in June after several months of planning (see May B/CA, Intelligence, page 24) at a conference center in suburban Virginia. The ARC's efforts are divided into project areas focused on the applicability of existing and future regulations, operational requirements, employee training, aircraft airworthiness, international operations and aeromedical considerations for crewmembers, plus the differences in operating rotorcraft and airships versus fixed-wing aircraft.
Striking a rare optimistic note, the Industry Trends committee of the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA) sees the ingredients for a recovery in pre-owned aircraft sales, based on factors ranging from the stabilization of aircraft values to opportunities created by the conversion of fractional shareholders to whole aircraft owners. Aircraft dealers and brokers are also reporting anecdotal evidence of an increase in sales activity, according to NARA. ``Inventory levels are high, resulting in almost unprecedented choice.
Waterbury-Oxford Airport (OXC) in Oxford, Conn., is essentially closed for renovations and the ILS/DME is out of service until at least Sept. 17. Some landings and departures might be authorized 0700 to 1600 local upon receiving prior permission of the airport manager at (860) 264-8010. Bradley International (BDL) near Hartford, Bridgeport (BDR) and Danbury Municipal (DXR) are reasonable alternates, as are the less obvious White Plains, N.Y. (HPN) and Stewart International (SWF), Newburgh, N.Y.
The Embraer 175 made its first flight June 15 at the company's Sao Jose dos Campos facility in Brazil. The aircraft is the second of the new Embraer 170/175/190/195 family of airliners optimized for 70 to 110 passengers, configured with 2-by-2 seating. The model 170 is currently in certification testing.
Million Air Teterboro has been approved as a Honeywell engine and APU line service center. The approval covers the Honeywell TFE731-2 through -60 engines and GTCP36-6 and GTCP36-100/150. Visit its Web site at www.millionairteb.com.
A replica of the 1911 Wright Flyer crashed during a test flight in Midland, Va., injuring Ken Hyde, the pilot, and damaging the aircraft. The Wright Model B replica, built by the Wright Experience of Warrenton, Va., was ``substantially damaged'' in the May 19 crash, according to a preliminary NTSB report. The report said, ``While taxiing, the airplane suddenly became airborne, and the pilot was not sure if he could land the airplane in the space remaining.
On the international market, fuel prices can vary widely depending on the supplier and method of payment used. For example, on a particular day this spring, the posted price for Jet-A at Shannon, Ireland, was $1.37/gallon (in U.S.$) for spot purchased via cash or major credit card. But according to Nancy Schnetz, Jeppesen Flight Services international trip planning manager, quite a bit per gallon can be saved by working through a contract fuel supplier.
The FAA issued an STC for a WSI InFlight AV200 data link receiver system installation on a Piper Saratoga, the company announced on June 9. WSI and its manufacturing partner, Sandia Aerospace, have submitted an application for Parts Manufacturing Authority (PMA) for WSI InFlight, the final step in certifying the system.
